Northern Michigan University, located in Marquette, Michigan, is a dynamic four-year, public, comprehensive university that has grown its reputation based on its award-winning leadership programs, cutting-edge technology initiatives and nationally recognized academic programs. Northern has a population of about 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

Ask a few Northern students what drew them to our university and you will get a variety of answers. That's because there is no single thing that make students want to go to Northern; it is ALL the things that we do here. Northern is big enough to offer a wide variety of academic programs but is also small enough that every time you walk across campus, you'll probably wave "hi" to someone you know.

Curiosity is the raw ingredient of knowledge. It causes us to ask questions, to seek answers, to learn. At Northern Michigan University, natural curiosity and intellectual challenge meet in stimulating classes grounded in the liberal arts. So wherever your curiosity leads you, you can count on the support you need to take the next step, ask the next question, propose the next hypothesis.

The mission of the Northern Michigan University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, Recreational Sports and the United States Olympic Training Site is to create an environment that promotes academic excellence, interpersonal growth and social development; embraces diversity; teaches lifetime leisure skills; fosters spirit and tradition; and builds a lifelong connection to NMU.

Yes, you'll attend your classes, but what else will you be doing as a student at Northern? There's so much stuff to choose from. There's a student organization or club – almost 300 at last count-- for just about every interest. If you're into investigating the paranormal, anime or improv comedy, there's a group. Cheer on your fellow Wildcats at a hockey game or volleyball match. Join a competitive club sport or an intramural team. The sky is the limit.

NMU's Ganzert, Bonsall Honored

News Releases

MARQUETTE, Mich.--Northern Michigan University professor Charles Ganzert and retired Center for Student Enrichment director David Bonsall were recognized by the Michigan Campus Compact at its 2014 Institute. Ganzert received a Faculty Community Service Learning Award for his work in the community and the classroom. Bonsall received MCC’s Network Leader Award for his outstanding work at the center in support of service learning.

Each member campus of MCC has the opportunity to select one faculty or staff award recipient who uses modeling, influencing or instruction to engage or influence students to be involved in community service or service learning. Ganzert teaches in the communication and performance studies department. He was nominated for leading his beginning audio production students in public service projects for agencies such as the American Association of University Women, Marquette Women’s Center, Diabetes Outreach Network, American Heart Association and the NMU Health Promotion Office. His advanced audio production classes have worked with WNMU-FM since 2001 on innovative music and interview shows featuring regional, national and international performers. Ganzert recently served as faculty liaison and chair of the NMU Academic Service Learning Advisory Board.

Bonsall is credited for moving Northern’s academic service learning initiative forward after an initial grant was received for that purpose in 2003. The ASL vision resonated with him and, since then, he and his staff at the Center for Student Enrichment have provided administrative, logistical and programmatic support. Bonsall’s goal was to make academic service learning a common and valued occurrence in students’ educational experiences. During 2012-13, 77 faculty members/adjunct instructors from 18 departments taught ASL-designated courses.